Abstract:
Language educators often speak of using techniques and activities appropriate for each stage of language learning. But when it comes to incorporating cultural learning in the language lessons, there is usually very little consideration given to the learners' developmental stage of intercultural learning. The consequences of ill-matched activities can lead to reaffirmed or deeper cultural misunderstandings, and little or no growth in intercultural competency.
In this workshop the presenter will demonstrate and discuss how to incorporate culture-based activities into the ESL/EFL classroom according to the learners' intercultural developmental stage, age, language ability, and other factors. All activities and techniques demonstrated are grounded in intercultural communications theory and methodology coupled with ESL pedagogy. The presenter will provide opportunities to experiment with ideas and activities in a participant workshop format while demonstrating how the activities can be adjusted for learning stage appropriateness.
Presenter Biography:
Jon Dujmovich is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Comparative Culture at Aichi University (Toyohashi) and Department of International Communication at Shizuoka University of Arts & Culture. He has over 15 years experience as a language teacher and corporate cross-cultural trainer in Japan. Jon is currently involved in developing a multicultural education training program for K-12 teachers in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In 2007 he was awarded a research award from the Suruga Institute for "The World in My Neighborhood Project," an EFL intercultural communications pilot course for 3rd year Junior High School students endorsed by the Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education.
